History of the John Wodarz Bridge in North Havre

By Keith J. Doll

Havre/Hill County Historic Preservation Commission

The bridge on 7th Avenue north of the viaduct and over the Milk River is a span that some of us call the Milk River Bridge. On Jan. 16, 1976, by a unanimous vote, the Montana Highway Commission renamed the structure the John Wodarz Bridge.

John Wodarz was born in Browerville, Minnesota, on Dec. 26, 1910, to parents Bridget and Peter.

In 1926, he came to Havre and worked for the Great Northern Railroad.

On Sept. 8, 1941, John married the former Gladys Hockett, and they had a daughter named Sharon.

After serving in the South Pac...